Man arraigned in connection with Cohoes fire

John Gomes, 51, was arraigned on fourth degree arson and first degree reckless endangerment charges. Both are felonies. He is due back in court Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Gomes, according to Mayor Shawn Morse, was in the back of his building at 228 Remsen Street, burning in a large barrel. Morse said Gomes was allegedly trying to "bend metal and make a hammer or something."

"The fire got away and started the fire," Morse said in a press conference, "and...you have been here to see the complete disaster this has caused."

The fire, which brought at least 100 firefighters from numerous departments and impacted approximately 20 buildings, started around 2 p.m. Approximately 25 people have been directly impacted by the fire, according to Morse.